Articles: analgesia.
-
Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Aug 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPatient-controlled epidural analgesia after caesarean section using a disposable device.
We have evaluated the use of a disposable device, the Patient Controlled Epidural Infusor, for patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) using pethidine, for pain relief in the first 24 hours after elective Caesarean section. Patients using the Patient Controlled Epidural Infusor (n = 20) were compared with a control group (n = 20) who received PCEA using a standard electronic device. Efficacy, as assessed by visual analogue scores, was comparable to that achieved in the control group. ⋯ There was a low incidence of side-effects with both devices. Patients using the disposable device used less pethidine than patients using the electronic device (median (interquartile range) 181 (100-275) mg versus 238 (213-375) mg; p = 0.035). Use of this disposable device is an acceptable alternative to more expensive and bulkier electronic devices for PCEA after Caesarean section.
-
Recent evidence has documented the deleterious physiologic effects of pain and the beneficial results of effective postoperative analgesia. As outlined in this article, a three-step approach is recommended depending on the severity of pain. ⋯ All three choices may significantly impact on the efficacy of analgesia. While we continue to use primarily intravenous opioids to treat moderate and severe pain in the hospital setting, future formulations and developments may allow for the increased use of non-parenteral routes.
-
J Paediatr Child Health · Aug 1997
Case ReportsNurse-controlled analgesia using a patient-controlled analgesia device: an alternative strategy in the management of severe cancer pain in children.
Nurse-controlled analgesia (NCA) using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device has been described for intensive care and postoperative use. This report describes the effective use of this technique for severe episodic and procedural pain in four children with advanced malignancy and high opioid requirements where conventional parenteral analgesia had been inadequate. Both morphine and fentanyl were used. Average duration of NCA was 6.75 days (range 4-12).